Our Glorious Food System

Labeling is such a key feature of all food products, from safety, nutrition, quality, production and processing, and merchandising. Things are getting better technology-wise in the labeling area.

Kroger confirms 'barcode scanning' change hitting 1,230 stores KROGER is implementing a major barcode update across 1,230 stores this spring to improve the checkout process. The move from the supermarket giant comes amid several changes, including the closure …

One of the scariest foodborne illnesses is infant botulism. Here is a recent description of a nationwide recall of infant formula.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/botulism-outbreak-tied-to-byheart-products-sickens-more-than-50-babies-in-19-states/ #:~:text=The%20outbreak's%20official%20tally%20now,December%202023%20through%20July%202025.

Hopefully, this past week you watched the exploits of our Artemis II space mission around the moon. There is a re-energized interest in our US Space Program. Here are some interesting details of the Artemis II food program...yes, our astronauts must eat!

Artemis II: What's on the Menu? - NASA Here are a few frequently asked questions about how NASA designs and prepares food systems for Artemis II to support crew health, performance, and safety during a short-duration deep-space mission around the Moon.

Astronauts have to eat, and it’s a bit more complicated than you might think. Here’s a little insight about the foods used in the recent Artemis II mission.

The Navy confirmed an ‘abundant amount’ of Uncrustables when the Artemis II crew lands. Smucker’s just offered them a lifetime supply | Fortune The crew aboard the Artemis II requested Uncrustables upon their return to Earth. The Smucker’s brand just offered them a lifetime supply.

Citrus greening is a devastating issue in the produce industry, and continues to spread nationally.

https://www.ir4project.org/news/citrusgreeningbiologicals/ #:~:text=Citrus%20greening%20(Huanglongbing%20or%20HLB,boxes%20more%20than%20it%20exported.

We will be talking about dairy products processing over the next couple of weeks, followed by food safety. Raw milk and processed products made from raw milk are a higher risk.

E. coli outbreak tied to cheddar cheese sickens children in multiple states - NewsBreak The best local & breaking news source in the US, featuring local weather, alerts, deals, events and more.

Folate has been a topic of public health discussions for some time. https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Folate-Debate.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawNZ5n5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHvu4bsm919HoC1W65zC40iXkc5O4rdWsaQaJDmSDD-A45TmOtQ0wrKMOwOr3_aem_dZ6mno6suqZwMo3Y2VhFew

The Folate Debate The folate debate refers to the ongoing discussion about the mandatory fortification of food with folic acid.

Food safety is a minute by minute priority challenge for food manufacturers. Sometimes things go wrong and recalls are required. This is an important one currently occurring.

Cottage Cheese Sold in 24 States Recalled Due to Concerning Pasteurization Issue - NewsBreak The products were sold under the Great Value brand.

Lipids (fats & oils) play important roles in food product make-up and also in healthy diets. A lot of back and forth arguments are made as to which is more healthful, butter or margarine. Seems like a simple question, but it is a bit complex, as discussed here.

Heart Health Trends: Margarine Vs Butter, What's Healthier? Margarine vs butter - what should you choose for your heart health? We spoke with a dietitian about what's actually best.

In Intro to Food Science class this past week, we talked a bit about food inflation, food demand, food insecurity, and different sectors of the food industry. I always enjoy when real life things immediately present themselves that pertain to our class content. Well, here's a terrific example of that happening. This past Friday (Feb 6), the White House announced a temporary deal with Argentina to allow purchase of 80,000 metric tonnes of Argentinian lean beef into the US due to the major shortage of cattle and the impact of that on current beef market prices for consumers. The cattle supply is at an all-time low while beef prices are at an all-time high (Dec. ground beef at $6.69/lb). Supply and demand economics seems to be at work. However, as this article points out, there is significant push back from the American cattle industry on this allowance (explained in the article). There's also a good broader discussion of the impact of this decision on trade between the two countries. As you read this article, please think back to the various in-class discussions we have had already this semester.

Trump Signs Executive Order Quadrupling Beef Imports from Argentina to Keep Ground Beef Affordable The proclamation authorizes an 80,000 metric ton increase in in-quota lean beef trimmings imports in 2026. Economists say retail beef prices are unlikely to drop without impacting producers.

Fresh water shortages are a major issue in the US and globally, with great impacts on policy, food prices, ag land use, and livestock operations. Here's an update on Arizona and its water struggles. This is a huge state that supplies a large portion of our winter leafy greens and other vegetables.

Arizona weighs water security and farm costs in 2026 | Western Water Arizona weighs water security and farm costs in 2026 Written by Deborah in News: Understanding Water Shortages & Drought Impacts in the West  Spread the love Governor Hobbs’ proposed budget directs new funding to Colorado River protection. Lawmakers introduced tax relief bills tied to irrigati...